Benedict – a conversation

. A conversation between Triona Doocey (Archivist for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch) & Dr. Chris Jones (Medieval Historian, University of Canterbury) from the heart of the Christchurch Arts Centre where the Saints in Coffee Jars exhibition is attracting many visitors this week (open until 5pm on Saturday 10 February 2024). Triona refers to an article in The Spinoff which is well worth reading at this link. Dr Chris Jones was also interviewed on Radio New Zealand. Listen at this link. Pūmanawa Gallery, The Arts Centre (Montreal St end of the Arts Centre), 10.00am – 5.00pm every day until Saturday 10 February 2024.

On this Feast, the last Sunday of the Church year (It’s Advent next Sunday) I thought you might appreciate this podcast reflection entitled A New Realm. This and many other reflection are available in the new Food For Faith book – 235 pages of reflections, mostly just a page or two long. You can order the book at this link – CopyPress, or Fishpond, at any good bookstore – especially St Joseph’s Gift Store Takapuna Auckland, Catholic Shop at St. Mary’s in Christchurch, and St. Augustine’s Bookstore at Christ The King Greers Road Christchurch.

After the publication of Food For Faith – the book last week a few people have suggested that, as a way of promoting the collection, I offer a few of the reflections in audio form. So here’s one from the collection written especially for Monday morning! Happy Listening! You can buy copies of the book wherever good books are sold, or directly from the printer, COPYPRESS at this link.

After the publication of Food For Faith – the book last week a few people have suggested that, as a way of promoting the collection, I offer a few of the reflections in audio form. So here’s one from the earlier part of the collection reminding everyone of us of the closeness of God. Happy Listening! You can buy copies of the book wherever good books are sold, or directly from the printer, COPYPRESS at this link.

After the publication of Food For Faith – the book last week a few people have suggested that, as a way of promoting the collection, I offer a few of the reflections in audio form. So here’s one first published in September 2017 on the occasion of the death of Hugh Hefner. Happy Listening! You can buy copies of the book wherever good books are sold, or directly from the printer, COPYPRESS at this link.

As we pray for pope emeritus Benedict in these hours following his death you might appreciate this podcast conversation between Siân Owen RSJ, Merv Duffy SM & John O’Connor. Here are a few links to material referenced in the podcast: Benedict XVI Inauguration Homily at this link. First Encyclical letter, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) at this link. Address to UK parliament at this link. Address to the German parliament at this link.  

Join John Kleinsman, John Kinder and Rory Paterson in conversation with John O’Connor reflecting on the scriptures for the Christmas Feast. John Kinder refers to the carol “Sing Lullaby” which is available at this link and the lyrics at this link. Other carols referred to: In the Bleak Winter, Coventry Carol O Holy Night    

I was back in my hometown of Timaru this weekend celebrating the Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Basilica, a church I have known since my youth. Here is the homily I shared at the Mass for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Thirty years ago I contacted Leonie because of her reputation for knowing how to teach people to communicate. Over the years since she became a good friend and this afternoon I had the privilege of celebrating her Funeral Mass. I am happy to share here the homily I gave at Leonie’s funeral. Thank you also to Michael Collins, organist at Leonie’s funeral.

A reflection on prayer as an engagement with reality.